This is a team that was tagged with the reputation of playing soft. Johnson will help tear down that rap.

Naturally, the Bolts will tell you they’re ecstatic about the players they’ve signed. Can’t picture A.J. Smith walking to the lectern and saying, “Well, we did the best we could. We wanted V.J. but got outbid. We wanted a more experienced tackle, but settled for Gaither.

“We wanted to get younger at center, but couldn’t find anybody so we re-upped Hardwick. And Johnson? Yeah, he’s physical, but a little long of tooth (31 by opening day). At least we won’t have to pay him for too many years.”

Looking for some objectivity to judge the Chargers’ moves, This Just In contacted Clark Judge. The former Union-Tribune Chargers beat writer and veteran cbssports.com NFL reporter shared his thoughts on the Bolts’ moves the first two days into free agency.

On losing Jackson: “I think it’s a significant loss, obviously because of the production he brings to the position. I like big, physical receivers. He was that kind of guy and certainly was a deep threat. You don’t replace guys like that easily. That’s one reason Tampa gave him big money (5 years, $55 million.)

“I understand losing him. A.J. and the Chargers set a figure and if somebody exceeds that figure then they go in another direction. Tampa Bay not only exceeded that figure but blew it out of the water.”

On a poll of 553 readers, 80 percent of them (447) believing that Smith won’t be able to build a team capable of going deep into the playoffs: “I live in New York City, and the fans wanted to string up Jerry Reese after the Giants lost players last year in free agency. What did the Giants end up doing? Winning the Super Bowl. Fans are entitled to their opinion of the general manager. But the general manager’s paid to know what he’s doing.”

On the Chargers rebounding with their recent signings: “I like what they’ve done. I think they’ve recovered in 24 hours and swung the pendulum to the other side.

“They’ve protected Rivers’ back side (with Gaither). They replaced a receiver with another receiver. Now Meachem isn’t Vincent Jackson, but when he was with New Orleans they had a ton of receivers (and Drew Brees spread the ball around.) Maybe he’ll be more effective (with more passes directed to him) in San Diego.”

On Johnson: “Jarret Johnson is not flashy. But he’s a solid run defender. I think that was a strong move. It will also allow Antwan Barnes to sit more and not have to play every down. (An excellent pass rusher, Barnes had 11 sacks last season.)”

On the overall moves: “They’re taking the right steps. Are they perennial division champions again? No. But there’s plenty of time left. I think they’re making moves to at least contend for the division, which is what you want. Were they hurt by losing Jackson? No question. But I think they’ve rallied with four strong, smart moves.”

On if the Chargers must go deep into the playoffs next season for Smith and head coach Norv Turner to retain their jobs: “That’s a good question. Norv certainly has to make the playoffs. I don’t know how much trouble A.J.’s in. I had a long conversation with somebody in the (Chargers) front office and they said A.J. was never in trouble.

“That it was never an issue. Now Norv’s got to make the playoffs. I just think he needs to make the playoffs (and not necessarily make a deep run). They haven’t been to the playoffs in two years. They certainly need to get there. How far they need to go, I couldn’t answer that right now.”

On where he thinks Peyton Manning will be playing next season: “Right now, I’m still going with Denver. Because they’ve got cap room and they’ve got (John) Elway, who can be persuasive. But the longer (Manning) gets away (from Denver) maybe that’s less likely. If the guy had the conviction he would have acted immediately. But I’d put them at the start of the list.”